Eczema Flare-Up Check List
🌿 Eczema Flare-Up Checklist
From The Skin Well™ | Drawn from the Happy Skin Leaflet Series
Eczema is often unpredictable - and frustrating. This checklist is here to help you explore possible flare-up triggers gently and without pressure. Think of it as a way to understand your skin better- not to judge it or yourself.
🧴 SKIN PRODUCTS & HABITS
☐ Switched or added new skincare, body care, or hair products
☐ Used fragranced products, soaps, or harsh cleansers
☐ Skipped moisturising (especially after bathing)
☐ Scratching, rubbing, or using rough fabrics
☐ Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
What might help:
→ Stick to gentle, fragrance-free routines and avoid known irritants
→ Moisturise regularly, especially after contact with water
→ Explore more: [Happy Skincare products, Happy Skin]
🏠 HOME & ENVIRONMENT
☐ Exposure to dust, pets, pollen, or mould
☐ Central heating, dry air, or cold weather
☐ New cleaning products, detergents, or scented laundry softeners
☐ Change in environment (e.g. travel, new home, work setting)
What might help:
→ Use scent-free detergents and clean regularly with gentle products
→ During dry weather, some people find a humidifier or barrier cream helpful for reducing skin dryness
→ Explore more: [Happy Home, Happy Skin], [Happy Work, Happy Skin], [Happy Sun, Happy Skin], and [Happy Air, Happy Skin]
🍽️ FOOD & DIGESTION
☐ Ate foods known to trigger eczema (e.g. dairy, gluten, eggs - if relevant)
☐ Had more processed, sugary, or salty foods recently
☐ Not drinking enough water or feeling bloated/sluggish
☐ Recently used antibiotics or had digestive changes
What might help:
→ Support gut health and hydration
→ Track possible food links without cutting foods unnecessarily
→ Explore more: [Happy Gut, Happy Skin] and [Happy Hydration, Happy Skin]
🛏️ SLEEP, STRESS & EMOTIONS
☐ Struggling to sleep due to itching or stress
☐ Flare-up followed emotional tension or anxiety
☐ Feeling unsupported or overwhelmed lately
What might help:
→ Prioritise wind-down time and calming rituals
→ Manage itching with cool compresses, moisturising, and gentle touch
→ Explore more: [Happy Mind, Happy Skin], [Happy Relationships, Happy Skin] and [Happy Sleep, Happy Skin]
🩺 HEALTH, IMMUNE & HORMONES
☐ Flare-up linked to periods, pregnancy, menopause, or illness
☐ Recently vaccinated, had an infection, or immune changes
☐ Started or stopped medications
What might help:
→ Keep a flare diary to track links
→ Nourish your immune system and skin barrier
→ Explore more: [Happy Hormones, Happy Skin]
💡REMEMBER
Eczema flare-ups aren’t your fault. They're your skin asking for support. Small steps - taken consistently - can make a big difference. If your eczema is persistent, painful, or worsening, speak to a skin therapist or GP.
The Skin Well™
A grassroots, evidence-aware initiative supporting public skin education.
👉 @theskinwell_
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
Version: [April / 2025]
© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.